Catholic Seasons and Holidays
By Scott P. Richert, About.com Guide to Catholicism
Learn about the holy days and holidays of the Catholic calendar. Follow the Church through the liturgical year, from Advent through Christmas to Epiphany, from Lent through Easter to Pentecost. Explore the richness of Catholicism through the history of the Church's feasts and seasons, and learn more about the saints through celebrating their feast days.
Holy Days of Obligation
Learn more about the holy days of obligation, when Catholics are required to attend Mass, and find the dates of those holy days.
- Catholic Liturgical Calendar 2008
- Easter 101
- The Ascension of Our Lord
- The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- All Saints Day
Moveable Feasts
Moveable feasts are holy days whose dates change from year to year, depending on the date of Easter.
Advent
Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, both for the birth of Christ at Christmas and for His Second Coming, at the end of time. Over the centuries, the Church has developed Advent activities that help to keep us focused on renewing our spiritual life. Learn about the Advent wreath and other Advent prayers, and find Scripture readings for every day of Advent.
- Scripture Readings for the First Week of Advent
- Scripture Readings for the Second Week of Advent
- Scripture Readings for the Third Week of Advent
- Scripture Readings for the Fourth Week of Advent
- Advent Scripture Readings for December 17 through December 24
- How To Bless an Advent Wreath
- Advent Wreath Prayer for the First Week of Advent
- Advent Wreath Prayer for the Second Week of Advent
- Advent Wreath Prayer for the Third Week of Advent
- Advent Wreath Prayer for the Fourth Week of Advent
Lent
What is the season of Lent? Which holy days fall in Lent? How is Lent practiced throughout Catholicism? Find out more about Lent in the Catholic liturgical calendar.
- Tips for Lenten Reading With Your Children
- Fasting: A Powerful Spiritual Tool
- Abstinence as Spiritual Discipline
- Lenten Recipes
Quick Dates 2008
Find the dates of holy days of obligation and other important feasts for 2008.
